Drug Crimes

Pittsburgh Drug Crime Attorney

Get Strong Defense Against Drug Charges

Arrests for drug crimes, even if the charges seem relatively minor, have the potential to significantly affect the lives of those arrested. In addition to fines, probation, prison time and other penalties, a conviction for a drug offense in Pennsylvania may also threaten your drivers’ license, professional licensing and other educational and employment opportunities. An aggressive defense is crucial to protect your rights after a drug crime arrest.

How Our Attorney Can Help You

At the Law Office of Melvin L. Vatz, our experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer represents individuals charged with drug crimes in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Whether your offense is a felony or misdemeanor under state or federal law, we prepare your case and work hard to provide the best resolution possible.

Our drug crimes defense practice serves clients charged with:

Possession, including simple possession of marijuana

Possession with intent to sell or deliver

Distribution and/or trafficking

Importation

Manufacturing or cultivation, including meth labs

Aggravated drug crimes, where firearms are present

The possible punishments for these crimes range in severity, but even a conviction for possession of marijuana may have long lasting implications. Our firm provides skilled defense in cases involving marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy and other “party” drugs, heroin, prescription drugs and others.

Our Clients May Not Be Criminals

Many of the clients that we defend in cases of drug crimes are not career criminals with large rap sheets. More typically, they are college students, working men and women, and other first-time offenders.

We explore all aspects of your case, from the legality of your arrest to alternative sentences, taking into account your unique circumstances. If our client has a drug problem, we seek drug treatment as an alternative to traditional punishments. If our client is a first time offender, a disposition through a first offender program, called “probation without verdict,” may be sought. This results in no criminal record and an expungement of arrest records.

Learning the Facts Behind Your Arrest

In some drug cases, much of the evidence that is compiled is obtained during illegal searches and seizures, where law enforcement officials fail to respect the Constitutional rights of citizens. At the Law Office of Melvin L. Vatz, our Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer reviews the police investigation to determine if our clients’ rights were violated at any time during the process. If we can prove that evidence was gathered illegally, it cannot be used against you in court.

Contact us for a consultation if you or someone you love has been charged with a drug crime in Pittsburgh. Call us at 412-391-3030 today.